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zucchini noodles with pesto and grilled shrimp 176515014 q1

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Shrimp

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Try this 25-min shrimp scampi zucchini noodles no wine. A healthy, garlic-lemon dish over zoodles that’s quick, flavorful, and light.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp peeled and deveined; wild-caught if possible
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 medium zucchinis spiralized
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 large lemon juice about 3 tablespoons (45 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional

Method
 

  1. Wash and dry the zucchinis, then spiralize them into noodles. Set aside on paper towels for approximately 10 minutes to absorb excess moisture.
  2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and toss with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the zucchini noodles and a pinch of salt, then sauté gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
  6. Return the shrimp to the skillet with the zucchini noodles. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using. Toss gently and cook for one additional minute to combine flavors.
  7. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately while warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

Notes

Zucchini Moisture: I cannot stress enough how important it is to let the zucchini noodles sit on paper towels before cooking.
I found that if I skip this step, the dish turns into a soup instead of a light sauté.
Garlic Timing: I always keep a close eye on the garlic because it can turn bitter in seconds.
I've learned to add the shrimp almost immediately after the garlic becomes fragrant to keep those flavors bright and sweet.
Texture Variation: If you want a little more crunch, I suggest adding a handful of toasted pine nuts at the very end.
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